Traders attack workers' camp approval

The Moranbah Traders Association (MTA) says the State Government should never have approved a plan for a large workers' camp on the outskirts of the town, south-west of Mackay in north Queensland.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser last month announced he was considering reviewing approval for the Buffel Park camp.

The council rejected the application and mining company BMA has now lodged an appeal against that decision.

Public submissions to the Treasurer close today and a decision will be made by next Thursday.

MTA president Peter Findlay says the Government has previously made bad decisions for the town.

"It's pretty obvious that the State Government doesn't give a damn about the community of Moranbah and they don't take any notice of what the community wants," he said.

"They've already proven that when they overrode the Nevtan development six years ago, which would have got rid of any residential problems we've got in the town now, but they overruled that in favour of the mining companies.

"They don't care about the local community.

"To establish a new community 17 kilometres from Moranbah is going to be devastating for the existing township and the existing businesses.

"It shows contempt for the community of Moranbah and it's quite obvious that BMA is not interested in the community of Moranbah, no matter what they say."